29 December 2010 05:50

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Liverpool haven't given up hope of Rafa Benitez returning to Anfield - but the Spaniard is said to be keeping a close eye on the malaise at Chelsea.[LNB]The 50-year-old is not even on the bookmakers' radar when it comes to picking a successor to Carlo Ancelotti at Stamford Bridge, yet Madrid newspaper Marca claim Benitez is the favourite if the Blues sink any further.[LNB] Weighing up his options: Benitez is taking a break after being sacked by Inter[LNB]After being sacked by Inter Milan just before Christmas, the former Valencia boss is thought to be keen on a break before taking another job - unless there is an offer he can't refuse.[LNB]Chelsea would be such an irresistible prospect, though Benitez is surely the wrong Spaniard. Roman Abramovich is said to be a huge admirer of Barcelona's swagger and reports linking Chelsea to Pep Guardiola refuse to go away.[LNB] Not happening: Chelsea players react to defeat by Arsenal this week[LNB]Ancelotti is under contract till the end of next season and has been told he is under no immediate threat, but six Barclays Premier League matches without a win going into the fixture against Bolton have inevitably raised questions.[LNB]Benitez still has a home in Merseyside and would be receptive to working again in England after failing to settle in Italy.[LNB] Chelsea out of control: Woe deepens for Ancelotti's men after Arsenal defeatBenitez earns £6.5m for being fired from Liverpool and Inter MilanCHELSEA FC